HAWTHORN will be without leading goalkicker Jack Gunston for Friday night’s preliminary final against Fremantle at Domain Stadium.
The 23-year-old was in a race against time to prove his fitness for the blockbuster match, after injuring his ankle in the Hawks’ qualifying final against West Coast Eagles.
Gunston has made progress with his recovery, but not enough progress, and GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan ruled the sharpshooter out.
“We decided this morning that he’s not quite made enough progress to warrant his selection in the big final this week,” Fagan told HawksTV today.
“We’re happy with how he’s improved, but we don’t think that he’s quite at the level yet where he can play in a big final.”
Gunston has made a number of efforts to prove his fitness each week.
“He’s pulled up well on each occasion, but he hasn’t got to the level where you can confidently say that he’s going to be able to play in a highly intense game on Friday night,” Fagan said.
Fagan said Gunston would not travel with the team to Perth, as he seeks further treatment. If the Hawks beat the Dockers on Friday night, Fagan remains hopeful Gunston could be available the following week.
He has complete confidence the team is able to overcome the Dockers without the star forward, who has kicked 53 goals this season.
“We’re very fortunate, we’ve got a very small injury list at the moment so we’re in really good shape to put up a good performance on Friday night,” he said.
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